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Smoke & CO Detectors · Head to head

First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm vs Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm

Full Smart Smoke & CO Detectors comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official First Alert and Heiman sites.
2026 verdict
Budget and hazard coverage pull in opposite directions here: the Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm comes out on top overall as the more affordable, better-rated pick.
It also connects to more smart-home platforms through its Zigbee radio, plus a built-in light the First Alert unit lacks. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm answers back with the more complete safety hardware: it detects carbon monoxide alongside smoke, sends a fuller set of alerts (fire, CO and low-battery, versus the Heiman's fire and low-battery only), and adds steam-check false-alarm filtering the Heiman does not offer. So the win here is about cost and ecosystem reach, not hazard coverage: the compact Heiman HS1SA is smoke-only and needs a Zigbee hub to unlock any smart features, while the SC5 Hardwire is a self-contained, mains-powered unit with a battery backup that needs no hub at all. Buyers who already run a Zigbee setup and only need discreet, affordable smoke detection should pick the Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm, while anyone wanting hardwired power and built-in carbon monoxide protection should choose the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm.
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FeatureFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO AlarmHeiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke AlarmWinner
Rating3.24.5Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm
IntegrationsGoogle HomeSamsung SmartThings, Home AssistantHeiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm
SensorsSmoke, COSmokeFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
AlertsFire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery AlertsFire Alerts, Low Battery AlertsFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Built-in LightNOYESHeiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm
Steam CheckYESNOFirst Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
Connectivity2.4 GHz WiFiZigbeeTie
ScreenNONOTie
Built-in SirenYESYESTie
Tests ItselfNONOTie
PathlightNONOTie
Winner
Prime exclusive deal
€34.99
  • + Rating: 4.5
  • + Integrations: Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant
  • + Built-in Light: YES
  • - Sensors: Smoke vs Smoke, CO
  • - Alerts: Fire Alerts, Low Battery Alerts vs Fire Alerts, CO Alerts, Low Battery Alerts

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm
  • Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm or Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm?

The Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm comes out on top overall, winning on price, owner rating, smart-home integrations and its built-in light.

What is the biggest functional difference between them?

Hazard coverage and how they connect. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm is a hardwired unit that detects both smoke and carbon monoxide over WiFi, while the Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm is a smoke-only, battery-powered sensor that needs a Zigbee hub for smart features.

Does the Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm detect carbon monoxide?

No, it only detects smoke and fire; it has no CO sensor or CO alerts.

Does the Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm need a hub to work as a smart device?

Yes, it requires a Zigbee hub, such as one running Samsung SmartThings or Home Assistant, to unlock app alerts and automations. The First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm needs no separate hub, connecting directly to Google Home over WiFi.

Who should buy the Heiman HS1SA-E Zigbee Smoke Alarm?

Buyers who already run a Zigbee smart home hub and mainly want a discreet, affordable smoke-only alarm.

Who should buy the First Alert SC5 Hardwire Smart Smoke & CO Alarm?

Homeowners with existing alarm wiring who want combined smoke and carbon monoxide protection in one hardwired unit, without needing a separate hub.

Full comparison table

Compare all 25 Smoke & CO Detectors side by side

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  • 25 Smoke & CO Detectors
  • 44 specs compared
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